Browsing by Author "Stevanović, Dejan (16313807500)"

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease with increasing incidence that predominantly occurs in female population. There are evidences that bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, denosumab, teriparatide and strontium renalate, prevent vertebral fractures while alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, denosumab and strontium renalate prevent hip fractures. Although these drugs are effective in osteoporosis treatment, their use is limited by their side-effects and low-adherence. The aim of this review article was to compare efficacy of new drugs for osteoporosis currently in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. After reviewing 57 articles available on PubMed and Scopus databases that evaluated efficacy of osteoporosis medications, 10 papers, that fulfilled the review criteria, were selected for the analysis. Finally, the efficacy of five drugs was compared. Efficacy was evaluated by the values of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTM). In all the analyzed articles the BMD increased and changes of BTM were noted. The highest increase of lumbar BMD from the baseline values was achieved after six months of subcutaneous application of 20 μg/day teriparatide (11.3%). The lowest increase of BMD in the same region was recorded after six months of risedronate therapy 100 mg per os once monthly (2.1%). From ten selected articles, only one has reported data about fracture risk.

Aim To determine changes in the quality of life associated with epilepsy in school-age children with newly diagnosed uncomplicated epilepsy over the first six months after diagnosis to find points relevant for the early prevention of deterioration in quality of life. Methods This prospective follow-up study, performed in University Children’s Hospital in Belgrade, enrolled 60 school-aged children with recently diagnosed epilepsy, along with their parents. The respondents completed the Children with Epilepsy Quality of Life immediately following the diagnosis of epilepsy and six months later. Results Significant decline was observed in the domains related to intrapersonal/emotional relationships by both children (P < 0.001) and their parents (P = 0.03), and in the need to keep epilepsy a secret as observed by parents (P = 0.04). Significant improvement was found in the Interpersonal/Social domain as rated by parents (P = 0.001). Total quality-of-life scores, as assessed by children and parents, did not change significantly. Conclusion Bearing in mind that stigma and intrapersonal struggles are the major factors affecting the quality of life in children with epilepsy, psychological and social support is highly recommended in the first six months following an epilepsy diagnosis. Since intrapersonal relationships improved over six months, compensating for other deteriorations in the quality of life, children with epilepsy should be encouraged to socialize with their peers and to join organizations and actions that encourage social contact. © 2024, Medicinska Naklada Zagreb. All rights reserved.

Introduction/Objective Previously, we have shown that six months after initiating monotherapy in school-age children with new-onset uncomplicated epilepsy, minimal changes in cognition and significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes were observed. In the same group of children, we aimed to show and compare the effects of the most commonly used anti-seizure medications (ASMs) on cognition, psychopathological symptoms, and behavior, to provide guidance in selecting appropriate ASMs. Methods Children with newly diagnosed epilepsy completed the Revised Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children in Serbian (REVISK), the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), and the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form (NCBRF), immediately after initiating therapy and six months later, at the University Children’s Clinic in Belgrade. Results Scores on the social phobia subscale increased significantly in children on lamotrigine monotherapy compared to other ASMs, as well as on the separation anxiety disorder subscale and total internalizing symptoms in patients on ethosuximide (p < 0.05). The scores on the depressive disorder subscale increased significantly in those on ethosuximide, followed by levetiracetam (p < 0.05). There is no statistically significant difference in the change of other RCADS scores and REVISK and NCBRF scores between different types of ASMs during the six months (p < 0.05). Conclusion The subtle influence of the tested ASMs was already present during the first six months of treatment. Valproate led to a trend of improved cognition, while ethosuximide and levetiracetam contributed to worsening internalizing symptoms during the first six months. © 2025, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.

[No abstract available]

Introduction/Objective The aim of this study was to compare kinematic features and graphic rules of writing between children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (with and without medical treatment) and typically developed children (TDC). Methods In total, 55 children (26 with ADHD/ten subjects were on methylphenidate treatment and 29 TDC) completed a writing task on a digitizing board (in three repetitions; using non-inking stylus) which included a semicircle tracing, triangle, and letter copying. Kinematic features of movements in all tasks and graphic rules during a semicircle tracing were analyzed. Graphic rules were observed as expected movements (selecting the starting point and direction of tracing). Results The values of kinematic parameter jerk were significantly larger in TDC group compared to all ADHD subjects (regardless of treatment) and increased constantly with semicircle task progression and repetition in both groups. Children with ADHD without methylphenidate treatment used overall slower movements compared to TDC. The tracing of children with ADHD taking methylphenidate was more automated (with less change in movement velocity and acceleration) compared to TDC. In ADHD group only, those with treatment traced faster and more automated compared to those without treatment. The majority of subjects used expected movements in semicircle tracing and this percentage increased with the task repetition (without difference between ADHD and TDC). Conclusion Both children with ADHD and TDC used similar approach in the tracing task and were compliant with graphic rules. Methylphenidate treatment may positively influence writing kinematics in children with ADHD. Task repetition also influences writing. © 2020, Serbia Medical Society. All rights reserved.